SEGi University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SoHTM) strengthens international collaboration and provides students with valuable academic, cultural and industry exposure through a mobility programme with FPT University in Ho Chi Minh City.
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SoHTM), SEGi University, successfully organised an International Field Trip and Student Mobility Programme to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, giving students from the Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Honours) programme the opportunity to experience hospitality and tourism education in an international environment.
Held on 22 July 2026, the one-day programme involved 10 SEGi students and was conducted in collaboration with FPT University, Vietnam. The initiative combined academic engagement, cultural exchange and student activities to provide participants with a broader understanding of the international hospitality and tourism industry.
The mobility programme was designed to complement classroom learning through experiential education and international exposure. By engaging directly with an international university community, students were able to gain new perspectives on hospitality education while developing a greater appreciation of different cultures and industry practices.
Connecting Classroom Learning with Global Experiences
The programme featured a series of academic and student engagement activities, beginning with a Welcome Session and University Introduction, followed by a Campus Tour and Facilities Visit at FPT University.
One of the key highlights was a Joint Academic Workshop conducted by the FPT University Hospitality Department. The interactive session provided SEGi students with an opportunity to engage with faculty members and students from FPT University through discussions and hands-on learning activities.
The academic exchange encouraged students to share ideas, explore different approaches to hospitality education and gain insights into the international hospitality and tourism landscape. These interactions also provided opportunities for professional networking and strengthened the academic connection between the two institutions.
Experiencing Vietnamese Culture Through Student Exchange
Beyond academic learning, the programme placed an important emphasis on cultural exchange between Malaysia and Vietnam.
Students were introduced to Vietnamese culture through traditional music, crafts and cuisine, while also having the opportunity to share elements of Malaysian culture with their international peers. The experience encouraged mutual understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity while allowing students to build meaningful connections and friendships with students from FPT University.
Such international student exchange experiences are particularly valuable for hospitality and tourism students, as the industry requires professionals who can communicate effectively and adapt to diverse cultural environments.
Developing Future Hospitality Professionals
The field trip also allowed students to observe hospitality operations and tourism development practices in Ho Chi Minh City, helping them connect theoretical concepts from the classroom with real-world applications.
Through experiential learning, students were able to further develop important skills including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, analytical abilities and adaptability. These competencies are essential as future hospitality and tourism professionals navigate an increasingly international industry.
The programme also contributed to students’ understanding of international hospitality operations, tourism development and destination management, while promoting intercultural learning and global citizenship.
Strengthening International Academic Collaboration
Beyond the benefits to participating students, the mobility programme further strengthened the relationship between SEGi University and FPT University. The collaboration provides a foundation for future student and staff mobility programmes, joint projects, academic exchanges and other collaborative initiatives, creating more opportunities for students to gain international learning experiences.
Through international partnerships such as this, SEGi University continues to support a learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. By combining academic knowledge with practical exposure, cultural understanding and international engagement, students are better positioned to develop the confidence and adaptability needed for the global hospitality and tourism industry.
The International Field Trip and Student Mobility Programme with FPT University marks another meaningful step in strengthening international academic collaboration while creating opportunities for SEGi students to learn globally, connect across cultures and prepare for careers in the international hospitality and tourism industry.
